ROTATOR CUFF TEAR | Dr. Praveen Sarda | Best Shoulder & Elbow Surgeon, Arthroscopy & Replacement Surgeon in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles closely wrapped around the shoulder. They work to keep the ball centred in the socket when we move our shoulder. The muscles can be torn through general wear and tear or after an accident/ fall. If one or more muscles are torn, the movement of the shoulder is no longer smoothly controlled. As a result the shoulder may become weak and painful.

Mostly this is a result of chronic wear and tear or overuse. Sometimes this can happen after a heavy fall or injury directly to the shoulder. It is quite common in the elderly population and the decision for surgery is based on clinical findings. If you suffer from persistent pain and weakness, you need to have it repaired.

Being a tendon, the rotator cuff cannot be seen on standard X rays which is normal most of the times. MRI scan or Ultrasound scan are needed to diagnose the tear suspected on clinical examination.

A full thickness tear in young or middle-aged patients should be repaired to prevent future problems. In older age group decision is taken on individual basis depending on clinical examination and other factors.

The operation is usually done by keyhole surgery (Arthroscopy).

Anaesthesia:

I prefer a General Anaesthetic (you will be asleep) for most patients along with an Interscalene nerve block. This numbs the arm for 12-24 hours and helps with pain relief following your surgery.

SURGERY:

For the operation, I make a few 5mm puncture wounds around the shoulder to allow entry of the surgical instruments, one of which is a camera. The aim of the surgery is to repair the torn tendon. During the operation further damage may be identified within the shoulder that needs addressing.

As the strength of the repair and the size of the tear can vary between patients, recovery period will also vary accordingly.

To improve your pain.
To improve your shoulder movement and the function of your arm.

All operations involve an element of risks that include infection, stiffness, bleeding or nerve injury. However these complications comprise less than 10% taken together. In large tears or poor tissue quality, there is a re tear rate of upto 20%

Frequently asked questions

Will It Will Be Painful ?

It may be several weeks before you feel the benefit of the operation. Following the operation, it is important that you take your pain medication regularly to keep the pain under control. This will help you to do the exercises that the physiotherapist will provide you.

The amount of pain varies from patient to patient, therefore take the amount of pain relief you need.

Do I Need To Wear A Sling ?

You will need to wear a sling for up to 4 weeks initially post-surgery. This is to protect the repair in the initial phase of healing. It is also for your comfort. The sling needs to be worn all of the time, except for washing, dressing and doing your physiotherapy exercise.

Sleeping- Keep your sling on when you are sleeping until we advise to remove it. For the first few weeks- you may find it more comfortable to sleep on your back initially, with a pillow under your operated arm for support. This will support your arm so that it doesn’t fall backwards. You may also find it more comfortable to sleep in a semi-sitting position.

When Can I Go From Hospital ?

The majority of patients go home on the same day.

When Can I Return To Work ?

You can return to sedentary jobs after 2 weeks as you feel able. For more manual jobs you should wait until after 12 weeks following your surgery.

Do I Need To Do Exercises ?

Yes, you will be given exercises and should be supervised by a Physiotherapist. The aim of these is to stop your shoulder stiffening up.
Here is a video of the procedure. you can contact me using the details on this website to book a consultation if you think you may have a cuff tear.